According to ETtoday, Dr. Wei Shih-Hang, an expert in weight loss and family medicine, stated: “When you constantly crave greasy, sugary, and salty foods, it could indicate a nutritional imbalance, stress hormone issues, or insulin resistance. Typically, deficiencies in chromium, magnesium, vitamin B, and iron can lead to unusual cravings.”
Dr. Wei shared the case of an engineer from the Hsinchu Science Park who successfully lost 5kg in just one month by effectively managing his blood sugar levels. However, during a follow-up visit, the engineer confessed that every night after work, he craved french fries, fried chicken, and other high-calorie foods. It turned out that he had recently become a father and was experiencing work stress while also caring for a newborn.
Test results revealed abnormally high levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, directly impacting his hunger control mechanism. Dr. Wei explained that prolonged stress activates the HPA axis (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis), leading to increased cortisol secretion. This physiological response inclines the body towards “energy storage” by seeking calorie-dense foods like fried and sugary treats.
However, if this pattern persists, it can lead to insulin resistance and blood sugar instability while increasing the risk of depression by 22%, according to a study published in the Nutrients journal.
The doctor identified three common nutritional deficiencies:
Chromium deficiency: This can cause cravings for sugary foods. Chromium plays a crucial role in regulating insulin. A lack of chromium can result in blood sugar fluctuations.
Solution: Incorporate healthy carbs (brown rice, oats, sweet potatoes), and high-quality protein (beef, chicken breast, turkey) into your diet.
Magnesium and Vitamin B deficiency: These deficiencies can lead to cravings for chocolate and caffeinated beverages. The lack of these nutrients can result in fatigue and reduced efficiency in nerve conduction and energy metabolism.
Solution: Consume more spinach, oats, eggs, lean meats, and beans. Consider taking magnesium supplements at an appropriate dosage.
Iron deficiency: Some people have a habit of chewing ice, which is often an indicator of iron deficiency. Ice chewing stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, increasing blood flow to the brain, serving as a temporary compensation for iron-deficiency anemia.
